JAMMU: J&K’s higher education department has constituted a three-member committee to inquire into the alleged suicide by a 20-year-old student of Government Degree College in Jammu’s Doda district on Jan 16 after being barred from appearing for her semester examination.The committee comprises senior officials of the department — director (colleges) Dr Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, deputy secretary Sanjay Kumar Tickoo and undersecretary Syed Ishrat Parvez.In an order dated Jan 20, the department also suspended an assistant professor of Commerce at the college, Prof Manzoor Ahmad, pending inquiry. He will remain attached with the office of director, colleges, till further orders.The student, Saba Banoo, a resident of Pooti in Kastigarh, was reportedly found using a mobile phone during her first semester examination. Prof Ahmad confiscated her phone along with her answer sheet, and even informed her about possible disciplinary action, including a ban from appearing in examinations or seeking admission for up to five years.Shortly after leaving the college premises, Saba Banoo allegedly went to Pul Doda and jumped into the River Chenab.Police have also taken cognizance of her death by drowning and initiated an investigation.
